I had a good time batting some questions back and forth with Aicel about a week ago. After wrapping up work on the first two covers in The Divine Heretic series, Aicel is currently working on the art for Book 3: A Myrtle among Thorns. You may even get to see some of his work crop up in other HTP series. We’re happy to have him on board.

HTP: Which fantasy artists influenced your style? Did any particular artist inspire you to work in this mode?

Aicel: Not sure if he’s counted as a fantasy artist, but the one that influenced my style that has stuck with my fundamentals is the mangaka Kishimoto Masashi. Then from there, it built up with influences from Michael Komarck and Magali Villeneuve mostly.

HTP: What are some of your favorite fantasy stories in media? Favorite TV series, movies, or books?

Aicel: There’s quite a lot, but my favourite would be Tolkien’s work the most! I particularly love The Silmarillion, second to that would be Robin Hobb’s Farseer stuff, specifically The Tawny Man Trilogy, then third would be Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time. 

HTP: How would you describe your style? What are your favorite tools to work with in creating your art?

Aicel: I would describe my style as semi-realism, and my favourite tool is just an ordinary non-display tablet! I find that it’s not forcing me to hunch down unlike working directly on the display. Also, you can make the texture very authentic and just slap a paper on it.

HTP: What spoke to you about The Divine Heretic series? What have you enjoyed or found challenging about your work on this project?

Aicel: The fantastical plus religious theme of it! For me, that combo always brings the most appealing concepts and visuals. The initial parts tend to be the most challenging imo, like seeing what comp fits the brief, then designing things. Once that’s laid out though, I enjoy the painting part and adding in all the details.

HTP: Early reviews of your cover art have complimented the way you capture the traditional sword and sorcery style but with a modern flare (realistic female bodies, realistic armor). How do you create something new that still pays homage to an older tradition?

Aicel: That probably came from the influence of working in games early on, with some projects having emphasis on realism.

HTP: What’s your dream fantasy project?

Aicel: Something that’s a mix of gothic, like vampires and castles, and shamanic themes but with armor!

HTP: What would be your advice to another artist considering a contract with High Trestle Press?

Aicel: Hmm… I’m not good with giving advice since I mostly need it myself, but I suppose it’s good to be communicative and professional.